Scottish Wedding Traditions

Recently, we had a couple and their friends and family travel all the way from Scotland to have a wedding on the central coast of California.  The bride loves to travel to the States and enjoys visiting the West Coast. For the groom, it was his first time to the West.  The couple stopped off for a trip to Disneyland, over to Pismo to get married, and then off to San Francisco, Napa, and   What a thrill for us to see the bride’s dad and also one of her family friends, all decked out in their traditional Scottish kilts. 

So, I decided to hunt around for some of the history surrounding the kilts.   Though King George II tried to ban the wearing of kilts by the Scots, his attempt backfired.   Instead, the Scots continued to wear it in protest to the King of England.   Therefore, it became more important to the   patriotic Scots.   Even to this day they wear it for special holidays and ceremonies (like the wedding today).

The bride’s father also wore a boutonnière of heather.   Yep, I decided to find out its meaning; and here is what I discovered:   Heather flowers mean admiration, good luck, and protection.   Because of her admiration for Scottish lore and traditions, Queen Victoria popularized the meaning of heather.   During Victorian times, heather may have been associated with good luck because it was so scarce, similar to the way we consider four-leaf clovers to be good luck due to their scarcity.   So, the bride’s dad was showing his admiration for his daughter, and wishing her good luck for her future. 

Both guests’ kilts were of different tartan fabric, closely identified with the particular Scottish clans they identified with.   The belts they wore, made of leather, are also a part of the attire.   The sporran, a small belt-pouch made of leather or animal hide, is where a man traditionally keeps his keys, money, wallet, etc.   The kilt knife is a small knife with a decorative bone handle and a leather sheath.   The kilt pin is worn on the front panel of the kilt.   Hose are knee-length socks.   The shoes, known as Ghillie Brogues, are sturdy, leather shoes with laces.   And, yes, the two guests wore all of the accessories.   Such a nice, traditional touch and a nod to their heritage. 

The bride and groom were also given a lucky horseshoe that says, “May your happiness be as deep as Loc Ness and your troubles as scarce as the monster.”

 

By Natalie Jones February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
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